KUCHING: A proposed new commercial wharf at Sungai Ridan in Marudi has moved a step closer, with the Marudi District Office directed to prepare a comprehensive technical justification to support the project.
Deputy Transport Minister (Riverine and Marine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, said the technical report, to be prepared in collaboration with the relevant agencies, will enable the ministry to seek funding from the Sarawak Government under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP).
He said this during an official recent site visit to the proposed location for the new R.C. Commercial Wharf at Sungai Ridan, which was proposed by Marudi assemblyman, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.
Henry described the proposed wharf as a vital infrastructure project that would strengthen river transport logistics while contributing to the socio-economic development of communities in the Marudi and Baram districts.
Earlier, he visited the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) Branch Office at the Marudi Passenger Terminal, where he was accompanied by SRB Controller, Lt Col (Rtd) Ding Tiew Wong, SRB officers and representatives from the Marudi District Office.
During the visit, Ding briefed Henry on the terminal’s operations, highlighting its continued role as an important transport hub serving passenger express boats, longboats, speedboats and Bandung boats used by the local community.
He said the terminal’s existing facilities, including its pontoon, remain in good condition and continue to support daily river transportation activities.
The terminal also serves as the designated station for judges and technical officials during major water sports events such as the Baram Regatta.
Henry later inspected the sunken pontoon at the New R.C. Pontoon Wharf following an incident reported on January 18, 2025.
According to the briefing, the pontoon sank after water entered through an open manhole cover during a period of prolonged heavy rainfall and strong river currents.
As the ageing pontoon is considered uneconomical to recover, the authorities have proposed decommissioning the damaged structure and replacing it with a new, safer pontoon.
The affected berthing area has since been closed to vessels, while a Riverine Notice has been issued advising the shipping community, river users and the public to use the existing pontoon at the SRB Marudi Passenger Terminal.
Henry also recommended the installation of safety fencing around the affected area to prevent public access and enhance safety.
The visit concluded with a tour of Fort Hose, also known as the Marudi Fort Museum, a historic landmark built in 1898 during the administration of Sir Charles Anthoni Johnson Brooke, the Third Rajah of Sarawak.
Henry expressed appreciation for the SRB’s continued commitment to maintaining river transport facilities, improving navigation safety and supporting the development of river infrastructure to benefit communities across Marudi.
